Maine Town Named Among Most Underrated Summer Destinations in America

When the birds start chirping louder, the sun starts shining brighter, and the roads get busier, you know summer in Maine has arrived. People flood over state lines to visit their favorite places in Vacationland like Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach.

But every good Mainer knows that there are a ton of under-the-radar spots all along Maine's coastline that remain the right level of busy. And the lifestyle blog Timeout believes one of those spots is among the 10 most underrated summer destinations in all of America for 2024.

That would be Boothbay Harbor. Timeout found Boothbay Harbor to be less busy and far more enjoyable than Bar Harbor, with much of the same charm available. Boothbay Harbor does offer that same quintessential downtown filled with shops and restaurants that you can find in a couple of other more popular areas in Maine.

But Timeout was more focused on the experiences that were readily available. They were struck at how easy a kayak rental was for a quick paddle to nearby Burnt Island. They enjoyed a tour of a lighthouse, a picnic with lobster rolls, and even got a chance to spot a few spying seals interested in what they were doing.

Despite the overwhelming popularity of nearby Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Harbor continues to play second fiddle to places like Bar Harbor and Camden. Boothbay Harbor is home to a world-class resort, many other charming inns, and several seasonal restaurants and bars that have drawn people back for years.

Maybe it won't be underrated for much longer.